Taunton ZBA approves Fairfax replacement plans

The Zoning Board of Appeals on Thursday night approved two variances sought by the developer of a $70-plus-million, two-tiered project to replace Fairfax Gardens public housing project on DeWert Avenue.

The Zoning Board of Appeals on Thursday night approved two variances sought by the developer of a $70-plus-million, two-tiered project to replace Fairfax Gardens public housing project on DeWert Avenue.

Trinity Taunton Nine Ltd. Partners, part of Boston-based Trinity Financial Inc., was unanimously granted variances to build roadways in and out of the two sites that are 22 feet wide, instead of the usually required 30-foot width.

The federally funded HOPE VI project has already been approved by the city’s planning and impact-review boards and now goes to the City Council for final approval.

Representatives of Trinity presented the ZBA with illustrations and schematics of the proposed mixed-income apartment buildings — which are to be situated on DeWert Avenue, and also at the blighted 6A2 parcel behind the GATRA and Bloom Bus station on Oak Street.

The 6A2 land is located on what previously has been designated as a “transit oriented district.”

The mixed-income HOPE VI project will be paid for with $22 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and more than $40 million in private equity and tax credits.

Project Manager Sarah Barnat touted Trinity’s “700-project portfolio” and its philosophy of “making people feel like they have something to protect.”

During a sometimes emotional presentation, Robert Treano, legal counsel for both the THA and Taunton’s redevelopment authority, said the Trinity project is no less than “one of the most unbelievable projects the city has ever done.”

“It will totally revitalize two segments of the city,” he said.

Treano recounted the city’s 6A history with all of its aspirations and disappointments — going back to the 1966 High Street Urban Renewal Project, Harry Bloom’s subsequent development of his bus terminal and the unrealized plans of the U.S. Post Office and the city’s police and fire departments to establish a presence there.

“This is the best project for 6A in the 32 years I’ve been dealing with the TRA,” he said.

The new plans call for the demolition of the 150-unit Fairfax Gardens. Taking its place will be 88 apartments on DeWert Avenue and 72 with individual address at 6A2.

ZBA member and Taunton police officer Troy Medeiros challenged THA executive director Colleen Doherty, suggesting the new apartments will eventually be abused by the same drug dealers and criminals who, through the years, have turned Fairfax into a crime-ridden project.

“It’s like putting a new dress on an old lady — how do we know it’s not going to be the same houses with the same people in there?”

Although the THA owns the land, Trinity will be responsible for managing the two sites.

Doherty stressed that many of the past and current Fairfax residents being issued Section 8 rental vouchers will likely move out of the city, instead of re-applying to meet strict criteria — including criminal background checks — for living in the new buildings.

Page 2 of 2 - She also said Trinity has a proven track record for successfully managing such properties.

Treano noted that he personally has been responsible for issuing 200 restraining orders to keep drug dealers and “predators” — many of whom hail from larger communities like Dorchester and Brockton — from preying on law abiding Fairfax residents.

“That’s one of the reasons things have to change,” he said.

In addition to the HUD funding, Taunton was one of just six cities in the country to qualify for Brownfields Economic Development Initiative (BEDI) funds.

That $1 million will be applied to cleaning up lead, diesel fuel and other contaminants from the 6A site, according to Kevin Shea, Taunton’s economic and community development executive director.

By the time Trinity’s presentation had concluded, and questions from concerned residents had been answered, the ZBA, Medeiros included, voted in favor of the project.

The state Senate this week approved home rule petition legislation, introduced by state Sen. Marc Pacheco, D-Taunton, to allow for the Hope VI project. The bill will now be sent to the House and then the governor.